Electric Toothbrushes Vs. Manual Toothbrushes

These days when you go to the store to buy a new toothbrush, you are faced with a wall of options, all of which seemingly rid your teeth of any and all plaque and debris.

So how do we know which is the best to buy?

We see a lot of dentists endorsing electric toothbrushes – does this make them better than manual toothbrushes? The answer is not actually an easy one, and we are here to explore the pros and cons of both options:

Electric toothbrushes

Thesehave a lot of great features, and it’s easy to think that the automated nature of these brushes is the best option. Some electric toothbrushes even have built-in timers, so you know just how long to brush.

The moving bristles also help to break up any plaque build-up.

The downside is that they are expensive, and the cost of the replacement heads can pile up. Keep in mind that the key factor is regularly replacing your toothbrush. If you are unlikely to replace the heads on your electric toothbrush in the recommended time, you may be better to stick to manual toothbrushes.

Manual Toothbrushes

are tried and tested, and when used properly, work very well. With manual toothbrushes, you have to do all of the work, so technique is very important. With a manual toothbrush, it is too easy to become lazy and simple move the toothbrush around for a few moments.

You need to pay attention to your toothbrushing technique. Avoid letting your mind wander, and pay attention to the way in which you are brushing your teeth. The brush should be at a 45 degree angle to the gum, in order to get inside the gumline. You should move the brush in circular motions, and you should brush your teeth for at least three minutes.

So in essence, the best toothbrush for you is the one that you will use frequently, and with the correct technique. Don’t forget to floss daily and use mouthwash, and if you have any questions on what sort of toothbrush is the right toothbrush for you, simply ask your dentist!